NY Dems: Capel to replace King as executive director

Here’s an announcement on the state Democratic Committee’s newly named executive director:

The New York State Democratic Committee today announced
that Rodney Capel will become its next Executive Director when
Charlie King returns to the private sector in September. He has
started at the State Party and is working with Mr. King on the
transition.

Mr. Capel has been working as the New York City Director of
Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Cuomo since April 2011.
Previously, Mr. Capel was Senior Vice President of Mercury LLC and
Deputy Chief of Staff for New York City Council Speaker Christine
Quinn. From 1999 to 2001, Capel was the Deputy State Director for
Senator Charles Schumer. He was New York State Director for the
Kerry/Edwards Presidential campaign in 2004 as well as for the
Gore/Lieberman Presidential campaign in 2000.

“The New York State Democratic committee is going to be a leading
engine of support to get Barack Obama reelected in the fall,” Governor
Cuomo said. “New York State has been restored as a progressive leader
for the nation and a key part of that will be standing squarely behind
the president’s reelection campaign. I want to thank Charlie for his
dedicated service to the party and look forward to working with
Rodney, Keith and Stephanie going in to the fall.”

Syracuse Mayor and State Democratic Committee Co-Chair Stephanie Miner
said: “Rodney is an exceptional political strategist with the trust
and confidence of countless elected officials and Democratic
candidates. He will be invaluable in helping lead this party to
success in November.”

Assemblyman and State Democratic Committee Co-Chair Keith Wright said:
“Rodney’s experience in New York politics is matched only by his
passion and energy for the Democratic Party, making him the perfect
choice to be our next Executive Director. I have worked with Rodney
for many years and have the utmost confidence in his ability to
deliver victories for the New York State Democratic Party this cycle
and into the future.”

Mr. Capel will succeed Mr. King, who announced earlier this year that
he would be leaving after overseeing the Party during Governor Cuomo’s
successful 2010 campaign. “I have been proud to work alongside Rodney
on various projects for over a decade and I know he will be indispensable
in helping to lead this party to victory in the fall,” said King. “He
is a tireless worker whose firsthand knowledge of Democratic policies
and politics will be essential in supporting President Obama and the party’s
candidates throughout the state.”

“Charlie has been a role model and leader for Democrats in New York
and is leaving me some big shoes to fill,” Mr. Capel said. “We have
some incredible challenges ahead of us and I am excited to be a part
of the upcoming campaign to make sure the progress we have made in New
York continues. Electing Democrats from President Obama down the rest
of the ballot is the best way to make sure our success continues
unabated.”

Mr. Capel serves on numerous civic organizations and boards including
the Boys and Girls Club of Harlem where he is Vice Chair, Joppa Lodge
#55, PHA Affiliated, and the Mid-Manhattan branch of the NAACP.